Book Spotlight: BDD CONFUSION: Using Behaviour Driven Development for Acceptance Criteria

Category:

Business/Technology

Synopsis:

This is the fourth semi-fictional story in the Carnsa Development Series set in the life of the quirky business analyst Claudia. This book focuses on BDD (Behaviour Driven Development) to support writing acceptance criteria and testing. It also takes a brief look at TDD (Test Driven Development) and Continuous Integration to support test automation.

You can purchase BDD Confusion from these retailers:

Amazon
Amazon.co.uk 

Apple
Barnes &Noble
Kobo
Scribd

For more information, please visit https://www.carnsadev.com.

 

Book Spotlight: A Book on Answers

Category:

Philosophy/Religion


Synopsis:
Like no other book of this century, A Book on Answers is a compendium on the ancient keys and wonders of the world. Hidden mysteries, ancient symbols, and explanatory expansions raise Newman’s literature above all other works in this field. This book may enhance your awareness on things that were previously unknown to you. In this unforgettable portrait of creation and reality, a variety of solutions is presented to unlock the true nature of the universe.

A Book on Answers is available from Amazon. 

For more information on the author, check out @everyonelovesmatt on Instagram. 

Book Spotlight: Waking Up in Vegas

Category:

Romantic Comedy

Synopsis:

Risk averse attorney Mallory Moore is assigned the one case she would rather die than work on--a bizarre divorce for one of the law firm's wealthiest clients. Her love-struck paralegal, Amanda, wants to expedite the process so she can date the client, but the client does not want the divorce. Mallory must settle the case before it gets out of hand while fending off romantic advances from opposing counsel and keeping his mother, who happens to be his client, out of jail. Filing a simple quickie divorce has never been more difficult.

Get your copy of Waking Up in Vegas at Amazon. 

About the Author:

Gabrielle is a rare breed of lawyer who prefers researching and writing to standing up and arguing. Maybe they are not so much rare as they are going about unnoticed. She has practiced civil and criminal law, in many different legal areas. She is used to the looks she gets when she tells people she enjoyed practicing tax law. She lives in New Mexico.

For more information, you can follow Gabrielle Dorian on Twitter or visit the author's website.

Book Spotlight: Midnight Never Ends

Category:

Science Fiction/Thriller

Synopsis:

In the year 2258, the colonists on Mars discover a repeating broadcast signal coming from Jupiter's moon Europa. Which is a problem. As far as the colonists know, humans have never landed on Europa.

A crew of ten people are hastily assembled, and promptly dispatched, to investigate this mystery. Three weeks later, they discover an abandoned research station built over a black pyramid buried in the ice.

17-year-old Samantha Bauer hasn't graduated with her degree in communications yet, but she's been selected for this expedition anyway. No one asked her if she wanted to go, and no one told her why she was selected. She's immature, lonely, prone to fantasies, but that's the least of her problems. There are those who don't want her to return home.

Midnight Never Ends is a character-driven science fiction novel where evil may be hidden within a person you know, or it may be buried a mile below the surface of a moon 390 million miles away. And sometimes bravery can be found where you least expect it.

Midnight Never Ends will be released on 8/28/18 -- order your copy now from Amazon. 

About the Author:

R. Patricia Wayne was born in Chicago, Ill and raised in the Midwest, now calling the great state of Iowa her home. Her bookshelves are full of books in every genre, but her passion is in science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories. Her personal interests include writing, coffee, reading, coffee, sleeping, and coffee.

Book Spotlight: Thoreau's Downsizing Planner for Seniors

Category:

Aging/Finance

Synopsis:

A workbook downsizing planner that takes you from A to Z step by step. Thoreau's Downsizing Planner for Seniors covers what to do, how to get all your important documents together, the financial benefits for your situation, how to sort your stuff, what you should keep or toss, and how to move all with instructional worksheets. Anyone can organize their downsize with this valuable planner.
 

Do you know the biggest mistake seniors make when downsizing their lives? Thoreau’s Downsizing Planner for Seniors by Phillip Baker will help make sure you avoid the mistakes that cost seniors time, possessions, and money, and cause heartache. 
 
The biggest mistake seniors make when downsizing is a lack of organization. Items can get lost or damaged, important documents and records are often misplaced, bills can go unpaid, mail not received, and an overall sense of confusion can add to the stress of moving.

Moving is considered a high-stress life event: This relocation for seniors can be mixed with uncertainty, loneliness, possible illness, and a loss of independence. Due to the many additional decisions to be made for many seniors, downsizing can be more complex than just moving. Whether you or loved ones are moving across town or across the country you will likely be:

• Tackling major living decisions.
• Dealing with belongings; sorting through decades of family history, organizing, selling, giving way and discarding possessions.
• Hiring a moving company.
• Packing and unpacking.
• Organizing and cleaning.
• Selling, donating, and discarding items.
• Shutting off and turning on utilities.
• Stopping services and starting services.
• Changing addresses and notifying everyone.
• Gathering, organizing and keeping important documents and records.

And with a myriad of other tasks all on a schedule, this is a formidable challenge for anyone and even paralyzing for many people.

Thoreau’s Downsizing Planner for Seniors is designed to help seniors, empty nesters, children or relatives of seniors, and caregivers make this move easier through guiding information, organization and planning. If you are a caregiver or adult child helping your parent downsize, use this planner to help you be supportive, assist with choices, and have an efficient plan. There are easy to use lists and worksheets for:

• How to get all your documents and records in order .
• What to do with vehicles.
• How to downsize your wardrobe and still have all the clothes you need.
• How to downsize your belongings and what to do with each item.
• How and where to donate items.
• How to dispose of any household hazardous waste.
• Every one you need to notify of an address change.
• The list of things you need to shut off or transfer when you move.

And there are inspirational quotes by Henry David Thoreau throughout the book.

This is a big 8-1/2 by 11 inches book with 124 pages! There are LARGE PRINT worksheets, checklists, and easy fill forms designed for each step of your transition. Keep this planner with you from now and throughout your move and then as a collection of records if ever needed. Complete the to-do lists, calendars/timelines, ‘notes to self’, and anything you might forget.

Get your copy of Thoreau’s Downsizing Planner for Seniors from Amazon.

Book Spotlight: Love Poems

Category:

Poetry

Synopsis:

A collection of romantic Love Poems intermingled with passages of spiritual enlightenment, LOVE POEMS promises to take the reader on a sublime journey of both written imagery and visual artwork by the author, guiding them to the truth behind what LOVE is and how it connects us all.

This book is available from Amazon. 

About the Author:

Tony B. Beizaee, D.M.D., is a passionate innovator who has held multiple roles through his life, from dentist and entrepreneur, all the way to abstract artist and author. His unwavering dedication to philanthropy has earned him the reputation as an ambassador of positive change and compassionate community leader. Ultimately, Tony is driven by five key principles: integrity, spirituality, growth, love, and compassion. Combining these cornerstones, he serves as a devout advocate for the Jewish Voice, with Mission to awaken people to their God-given greatness. His ultimate aspiration is to create a legacy that will continue positively impacting people for generations to come.

Book Spotlight: Take Me With You, Volume 2

Category:

Faith/Success

Synopsis:

Take Me With You VOLUME 2: The 7 Types of Friends in your Life is the second installment in the Take Me With you series. Take Me With You (Volume 2) boldly explores the people in your life and challenges you to consider who they truly are. It is easy to call everyone your friend based solely on their presence, but The true measure of friendship is not weighed by attendance. Friendship is measured by their actual intentions.

This book is available at Amazon. 

About the Author:

“Not every man can be famous, but every man can be great!” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “When I first read those words from a memorial wall at South Carolina State University, I was touched,” Gathers said. “In life, sometimes all we can hold on to is words and a belief that they will manifest.” “Growing up, all I could do was dream.”

These words continuously push Troy Gathers towards his dream to strive for excellence. When asked about his childhood, Troy explains how it has played a major role in his future; Troy said, “The pain from my past has prepared me for the future.” “In college though, I found that I was very different. I found that welfare and section 8 were foreign to some college students.” The entrepreneur said that he began to see his purpose for his upbringing; “I have the voice to help people grow through trials.” After graduating from South Carolina State University, Gathers sought out to be a voice for the young and an inspiration to all. “As a public speaker, I have the stage to reach people far and near with my message”, he says joyfully. I’ve actually spoken to inmates on a continuous basis across the state of South Carolina in penitentiaries.” I have spoken to groups ranging from age eight to forty. Since I am one with the generation it is possible to hold their attention throughout the entire speech,” Gathers said. “Knowing that the speaker went through a similar situation less than ten years ago allows the audience to leave with a sense that there is a way to overcome their present adversities.”

By the time Troy reached seventeen years old, he had attended seven different schools and lived in six different neighborhoods. To escape the everyday troubles of society, Troy focused on success. In High School, despite the constant moving Gathers still managed to join NJROTC, the newspaper staff, and Future Business Leaders of America to name a few. Gathers stated, “Because of the constant moving, I spent a lot of time wishing for stability and praying for strength. Throughout my life I remained positive and knew that if I continued on this path I would be successful. Given my life experiences, I am able to communicate and relate to the younger generation.”

Once Gathers got settled at South Carolina State University he finally got a chance to show one body of students what he was capable of achieving. At South Carolina State University Gathers formed Intramural Sporting teams, served as the Vice President of freshman dormitory, joined the Young Democrats, SGA, wrote/directed two short films with students and made the grades for The National Deans List. Troy was also the host of the radio show B.E. Y.O.U. which aired on WSSB 90.3FM. (SCSU Radio) The show was based on positive individuals and their accomplishments. Gathers credits his focus at SCSU to his mother and mentors that assured his faith and head was always high. “Even in college people doubt you and try to bring you down, but I have special people that kept me focused on the big picture”.

After successfully completing his MBA program, Troy is currently enrolled in the Public Policy and Administration PhD program. B.E. Y.O.U. is Troy’s Educational Lecture Program for the youth that promotes success in their lives. B.E. Y.O.U is Troy’s cry to the youth to be themselves and step out of the crowd. Under his B.E. Y.O.U. imprint, Gathers has published 3 book titles. In all of Gathers endeavors he keeps God first and only expects great things for the future.

Book Spotlight: God, Will I Ever Find Happiness?: The Journey Toward Healing Your Inner Child

Category:
Religion

Synopsis:
This book was created from the question "God, will I ever find happiness?" found in the introduction. The author has often tousled with this question and statement out of exhaustion and hopelessness most of her life. Through asking, there was also a process of searching. Thus, this book was born out of the questioning if there was truly more to life. That more included peace, love, and most of all, happiness. Through her personal experiences of overcoming hardships and depression, Mitzy seeks to provide wisdom to help others become the conquerors they were born and created to be. This book provides helpful tools and perspectives that give guidance to those who are struggling to enjoy their lives to the fullest. The purpose of this book is to let you know that happiness is possible for you!

This book is available for purchase from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  

About the Author:
Mitzy is an Artist, Author, and Coach to many who are seeking to improve their lives from minimum to maximum! She is a native of Jacksonville, Florida and a proud alumna of Spelman College and an anticipatory graduate of McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia. Her education entails a background in Psychology, Studio Art, and Pastoral Care. From a variety of circumstances in her life that range from depression, homelessness, to even finding the ability to deal with the day-to-day “hustle and bustle in life” Mitzy has sought to lend the knowledge and guidance that she has earned and learned. It is through her work that she hopes encouragement and inspiration can be born back into the lives of those who have given up on life and feel like all hope in a better future is gone. Through her writing and presence, Mitzy desires to bring back that fire and passion that is buried deep down within us all.

Book Spotlight: Agile Confusion: A Quick Understanding of the Basics and Application (Carnsa Development Series)

Category:
Business


Synopsis:

Perhaps you are not sure what some software development terms you hear mean? Are you going to connect with some IT people in a project and want a fighting chance in understanding what they are going on about? Perhaps you just want to get a general idea of Agile methodology areas quickly during your lunch break or commute home. This is a short book designed to give you the essentials with some useful examples you can relate to.

This is the second short semi-fictional story from the Carnsa Development Series. You will be introduced to Agile methodology techniques as Claudia a business analyst and her family work on a project from start through to launch.

Agile Confusion: A Quick Understanding of the Basics and Application is available for purchase through these websites:

Amazon
Amazon (UK)
iTunes
Kobo

You can also learn more about the first title in the Carnsa Development Series, A Guide to Models Used by Business Analysts. 

Book Spotlight: Through an Opaque Window

Category:

Women's Fiction/Romance

Synopsis:    

After four years of struggling to find happiness in their traditional marriage, Sienna Rivera and Declan Simmer agree to a sexually opaque arrangement. Their only two rules are to never bring a lover home, and to never become emotionally attached to a lover. While Sienna’s career as a NYC hotelier flourishes and their newly agreed opaque relationship shows promise, one evening, she wakes up from a stirring dream. She dreamt of being with her best male friend, Ian Mathisen, from college. 

 

Sienna would potentially break the rules by becoming involved with Ian. She proceeds to go through the motions of her everyday life. Declan frequently travels for business and is rarely at home because of his demanding work schedule. To heal her loneliness, she embarks on emotionally convoluted dates with her best friend, and while not sexually charged, the dates rapidly seem like emotional affairs.

Declan is appalled and devastated when he finds a manuscript his wife wrote about a hypothetical, detailed romance between characters loosely based on Sienna and Ian. He realizes that his wife has fallen for her best friend, so he asks for a divorce.

Sienna runs off to Switzerland with Ian while he is on a film project for his own production company. They spend the summer together abroad, attempting to revive memories from their college days when they studied abroad together. Despite the romantic setting, Sienna’s fantasies don’t mesh with routine reality when Ian becomes so busy with his production project. Meanwhile, Ian is still in love with another woman who he has delayed committing to in the midst of his affair with Sienna.

She spends most of her days wandering the city and confronts her fears of failure. She knows that she has been running away from all aspects of her life, including her career and marriage, along with past hurts from her childhood—sexual abuse from her uncle—and college—the night she was raped by her college boyfriend, all which were alluded to throughout the novel.

Understanding her fantasy expectations don’t line up with the day-to-day, she decides to start her own hospitality consultancy firm and leaves Switzerland to be with her husband, seeking his forgiveness. They spend more time with each other and their families now that Declan has taken a different position at his company, lessening the amount of business travel he used to do. 
 

While romantic feelings still linger between Ian and Sienna, they enjoy their friendship love to its fullest extent. Sienna learns that she can still love both her husband and her best friend, but she loves them both in different ways.

This book is available for purchase from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Xlibris. 

About the Author:

Born in the Philippines, raised in New Jersey, and currently living in New York City, Kelly Ann Gonzales works in the hotel industry. She is also the Editor-In-Chief of ALPHA FEMALE SOCIETY. Her published works include the novels VIDEO GAMES (2014) & THROUGH AN OPAQUE WINDOW (2018), and “A SHAGGY, SHAGGY DOG STORY” featured in the Penultimate Peanut literary magazine. She has an insatiable passion for travel, hospitality, and all things written and to be read.  

Visit www.KELLYANNGONZALES.com for more information.

Book Spotlight: Secrets of a Crazy Mental Health Counselor

Category: 

Psychology

Synopsis:

I know you think all counselors are perfect right? Well truth be told counselors keep secrets. These secrets will have you questioning why these people are even counseling. This book introduces readers to the world of counselors. It goes into the world of one counselor, who has never had life easy. You will learn about her deep dark struggles. The kind of struggles no one will ever reveal.

Secrets of a Crazy Mental Health Counselor is a guide, self-help, motivational and pure inspirational book. This book tells a story about life issues and how to overcome all traps that have been set up to make you fail. Written for mental health counselors, workers, women, teenagers, entrepreneurs, and anybody struggling with life each day. This book gives readers:

Inspiration and insight on accepting issues then balancing them.
Behavior techniques that help you change your mindset as a working professional.
Life plans that are actionable steps to becoming successful in your career.
Facing all adversity, while still being motivated and a motivation for others.

Patrice Brown, a Mental Health director and counselor of Restoring Bodies and Minds, has been the owner for five years. She credits her extensive fourteen year mental health background to helping her write this book. Patrice shares a tell-all book about the life struggles she faced. Patrice describes the years fighting opposition without ever giving up or having regrets.

This book is available in paperback and ebook from Amazon. 

About the Author:

Hello I am Patrice, a mother of two beautiful children. I am the big sister of two siblings but most of all i am me. I am a person that has had storms and mountains to climb. Believe it or not i am still climbing. I recently lost my mom to Cancer June 2017 and my best friend May 2017. By no means necessary am I here to paint print pictures about my life or surroundings. The books you will find from me will be my everyday life experiences.

As a Mental Health Counselor, I have been listening, coaching and counseling others in various areas for over 12 years. Received my education from North Carolina public Schools, Later i attended Vance Granville Community College and received my Associates in Human Services Technology, Bachelors in Psychology from Argosy University and Masters In Forensic Psychology. I have owned and operated a mental health facility over the past 6 years. I am a over achiever. I like to excel and have tremendous drive and determination. I believe if at first you don’t succeed try again.

Since birth I have always had to put myself first and stay on my personal growth pattern. Life is nothing but a journey or path and let me be the first to say it’s hard. Life is what you make it and it is full of twists and turns. Don’t forget the let downs and come ups. 

You can learn more about Patrice Brown by following these links:

https://breakawaydaily.com/breakaway-daily-interview-with-patrice-shavone/
http://www.booksbypatrice.com/
https://www.restoringbodiesandmind.com/
https://patriceshavone.com/

Book Spotlight: The Day Momma Made Me Dance

Category:

Children's

Synopsis: 

One girl learns to dance with her momma after repeatedly not paying attention to rules. This girl has been unstoppable in the home and school. Until one day momma had to teach her how to follow all the rules. Find out why this girl danced for her momma.

 The Day Momma Made Me Dance is available in paperback and ebook from Amazon. 

About the Author: 

 Hello I am Patrice, a mother of two beautiful children. I am the big sister of two siblings but most of all i am me. I am a person that has had storms and mountains to climb. Believe it or not i am still climbing. I recently lost my mom to Cancer June 2017 and my best friend May 2017. By no means necessary am i here to paint print pictures about my life or surroundings. The books you will find from me will be my everyday life experiences. As a Mental Health Counselor, I have been listening, coaching and counseling others in various areas for over 12 years. Received my education from North Carolina public Schools, Later i attended Vance Granville Community College and received my Associates in Human Services Technology, Bachelors in Psychology from Argosy University and Masters In Forensic Psychology. I have owned and operated a mental health facility over the past 6 years. I am a over achiever. I like to excel and have tremendous drive and determination. I believe if at first you don’t succeed try again. Since birth I have always had to put myself first and stay on my personal growth pattern. Life is nothing but a journey or path and let me be the first to say it’s hard. Life is what you make it and it is full of twists and turns. Don’t forget the let downs and come ups.

For more information on this author, please visit her website.

Book Spotlight: The Excelsior Witch Chronicles: Book One: Finding Magic

Category: 

YA Fantasy, #blackgirlmagic

Synopsis:

What if everything you heard about magic was wrong? Hollywood has twisted the story of Tituba in the Salem Witch Trials, to be an evil presence. It's thought that she brought evil voodoo to the world, but that's wrong. Bali, an unsure 18-year-old, African-American girl is a recent high school graduate, and is about to find out how her connection of lineage to Tituba gives her great powers of good magic. Bali, along with her two new friends, Leilani and James, set out to figure out how to navigate these new magical gifts they've been given. During their time together, they must also learn how to navigate their own insecurities and personal problems, while saving New York City from an evil witch named Adelram. This story weaves the true tale of magic, and how #blackgirlmagic is that of goodness and love. Come step inside a fantastic story with Bali, James and Leilani and learn how powerful diversity can be.

You can purchase The Excelsior Witch Chronicles: Book One from Amazon.

About the Author: 

Lyn Michael Kalani McClenathan was born in Georgia to Linda and Jim. He is of Hawaiian/Irish/Italian/Japanese descent and currently resides in New York City. He lives with his husband Nicholas and his two dogs, Ellie (an English Bulldog) and Pip (a chihuahua). He studies Liberal Studies at Arizona State University and after graduation with his BA, he began his graduate studies at Western New Mexico University in Social Work.

As a cardio workout he loves to put on loud music in his small, Hamilton Heights apartment in Manhattan and dance around the house. Currently, on repeat, is The Great Showman soundtrack. His favorite books are ones that have been/are being made into movies. The Help has been his favorite book, in this genre. He and his husband are also avid Disney fans!

You can follow him on social media:
Twitter: @lynmkm
Instagram: @lynmkm

Book Spotlight: My Black History

 

Category:

Memoir/History

Synopsis: 

Love and respect prove virtuous above all else in Nicole A. Jones' book, My Black History
A kind grandmother relates the lessons yet to be learned from mankind's past travesties.

In a world so vivid with color and a society so beautifully diverse, there's an overwhelming amount of impressionable, young minds to educate and inspire.

With insightful text and compelling illustrations on every page, a kind and sensible grandmother sits down with her grandchildren and relates the lessons yet to be learned from mankind's past travesties. In doing so, she also introduces just some of the many revolutionary men and women who've long began the massive overturning of an old-fashioned mentality.

With discrimination still plaguing modern-day civilization, we're reminded of the importance of rising above its critical view in a strenuous effort to leave the world better than when we found it.

Nicole A. Jones' rhythmic and candid approach will have young readers enthralled as well as enlightened for generations to come.

You can purchase My Black History (paperback and ebook) from Amazon.

About the Author:

 

Nicole A. Jones is an avid writer, published author, and successful businesswoman. She is the founder of N. Jones Enterprise LLC, a professional writing and publishing company in Woodbridge, Virginia and N. Jones Music, a subsidiary of N. Jones Enterprise LLC. She is also an affiliate songwriter and publisher of the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC) performing rights organization.

Ms. Jones started writing as an avenue to relieve herself of the pain of several consecutive losses in her life but over time she had accumulated a collection of writing in the form of poetry, journals and songs.

When asked, what makes her writings so unique, she says, “I am not a distant writer. I walk through the storms of life with my eyes opened. I not only know what fear, pain, and hurt feel like, I also know what they look like. Despite the boisterous winds and rain and dark clouds I’m facing, I write."

 Follow this author on social media:
Author's Website
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
Goodreads

Book Spotlight: 7 Simple Tricks To Remembering Names: How to Recall Names of People You Meet

 

Category:

Memory Improvement/ Adult & Continuing Education

Synopsis: 

Forgetting a name can be worse than embarrassing—it can cost you in reputation, relationships, or even business. Remembering a name, on the other hand, makes you look great and can open doors.

Most of us have trouble remembering things — we’re only human, after all. The good news: Your brain has enormous memory capacity; you just need to learn how to use it.

7 Simple Tricks to Remembering Names is here to help with easy-to-remember tricks you can use anytime, anywhere. Use the techniques inside to unlock your brain’s powerful memory potential today.

You will learn:
 •Why the human brain discards information—even information you’ll need
 •How to memorize names (and more!) and access them anytime
 •How to build your “memory palace” and store all the information you want
 •Memory techniques that work for YOU

The human brain — YOUR brain — can remember names and so much more. Are you ready to unleash your amazing memory? Read 7 Simple Tricks to Remembering Names and start making better connections now.

Ready to learn the skills it takes to remember everyone's name? Purchase this title from Amazon.

Book Spotlight: In Bt.

Category: 

Fiction - Fantasy/Adventure

Synopsis:

The story of the in-betweens starts off with a boy who meets three great loves in his journeys and learns how each love might influence him as a person lost in a beautiful yet cruel world.

It then follows with the footsteps of a girl called Becky, a fleet-footed angel who traverses onto the stony paths in Essex following the misfortune that befell her mentor Mister Chase.

Both protagonists eventually find each other in a time of great turmoil and they would have to find something magical together to fend off the threats of a lifetime.

This book is available for purchase at Amazon. 
 

About the Author:

The author seems to be a recluse and doesn't accept much from anyone, and is probably very fat, or desperately thin, whatever you may wish to imagine. He is also as handsome as Adonis and ugly. What's more interesting is that he holds a strange fascination with Sparrow and Mister Chase, two protagonists of another adventure. Their fates seemed to be intertwined together. Will you help him make their struggles a reality? ;)

You can find out more about the author from the author's website, Facebook page, or Twitter.

Book Spotlight: Beyond the Spiral Gates

Category:

Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

Wickfields was the name of an institution that housed children deemed too dangerous to live in regular society.

Beyond the Spiral Gates is a raw coming-of-age odyssey, a first-hand account of one boy's experiences at the archaic Wickfields School for Criminal Children. From the idyllic sun-drenched fields of Hayvern to the shadowy hallways of Wickfields, the story delves deep into the epicentre of the human psyche. Starting in the present day with the protagonist as an elderly man and chronic insomniac who struggles to come to terms with his own mortality as he confronts the demons of his youth spent at Wickfields, the story spins us back through the years to where it all began. It’s a tale of self-exploration, a redemptive narrative as well as a harrowing love story that does not spare raw emotion as the protagonist grapples with the trauma of the events that shaped that period of his adolescent life. Beyond The Spiral Gates is a gut-wrenching account of one boy’s journey of self-discovery, told in an unflinching and engaging voice.

Beyond the Spiral Gates is available from Amazon. Be sure to also add it to your Goodreads shelves. 

About the Author:

Mutch Katsonga is a songwriter and musician as well as an author. He has lived, worked and performed in the UK, USA and Australasia. He majored in Creative Writing and Journalism at Griffith University, Australia. He is also a qualified Mental Health Professional and has worked in various youth and rehab services. Beyond The Spiral Gates is his debut novel. He continues to record, perform and release his original music, which is available online under his stage name Indie Soull.

You can follow the author on Instagram and Twitter. 

Book Spotlight: The Career Kickstart: Your 28-Day Action Plan for Finding Your Dream Job

Category:

Nonfiction/Career

Synopsis:

J.G. Somers, a prolific writer and author, has completed her new book The Career Kickstart Your 28-Day Action Plan for Finding Your Dream Job: a perfect discussion for individuals seeking for better opportunities in their career; this book talks about the basic rules and mindset when looking for a job to either jumpstart or upgrade one’s curriculum vitae. 

Author Somers emphasizes that a healthy work environment will yield to a more productive employee: “Most of the people that I’ve worked with that disliked their job didn’t hate their work environment but, rather, hated what they had to do day in, day out. Within a month or two of finding a new job with the same responsibilities, they would be unhappy, switch to another company, and again the cycle would continue. Every few years or so, look inward and ask yourself who have you become, where your interest lies now, and what potential opportunities are out there. The following insight isn’t just for the unhappy employee but for every one of us.” 

Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, J.G. Somers’s engaging account is the perfect tool for new graduates and people looking for the perfect company that fits their skill set and qualifications. It also provides tips on how to make an effective resume, compose a convincing cover letter, and what to do during a job interview in order to nail that position and hear the sweet words “You’re hired!” 

Readers who wish to experience this fascinating guide can purchase The Career Kickstart Your 28-Day Action Plan for Finding Your Dream Job at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, Kobo, or Barnes and Noble. 

If you have read The Career Kickstart, make sure that you leave a review!

About the Author:

J.G. Somers is the author of The Career Kickstart: Your 28-Day Action Plan for Finding Your Dream Job.

Like many people, Somers found that what she studied in college and what type of job she actually wanted ended up being two very different things. However, through careful planning, bold action, and focused goals she has managed to successfully transition between several different careers.

Somers originally graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. However, she ended up spending years working in higher education and state government in human resources and as an analyst.

Later, Somers transitioned again, earning her MBA and working as a senior business analyst. Along her personal journey she has had the opportunity to help others find their dream job.

Her varied work and educational background have shown her the power of standing out from the rest of the job candidates and how you can show recruiters and hiring managers that you are their perfect candidate.

Career Kickstart is an action-oriented guide that helps job seekers understand the mindset of the people they will be interviewing with. It also helps job seekers sharpen their resumes, cover letters, and interview skills gradually. Somers takes the overwhelming process of job seeking and breaks it down into small, manageable steps.

Job seekers will find that after working through Career Kickstart they have the confidence and the skills to get their dream job.

Book Spotlight: Fractured

Category:

Romance

Synopsis:

I am many things.

A man. A soldier. Trained to kill. Born to hunt. Focused and lethal. Nothing gets through the stoic control that hides my inner animal, an animal that simmers with rage and power.

And that power makes me the perfect assassin.

My first task--eliminate the vile head of a science lab responsible for creating and distributing a cruel mutation. Easy.

And almost done when suddenly she invades my world. Charlotte--petite, beautiful, and sexy as hell--a cop who claims a past with me that I don't remember. At all.

Suddenly she's everywhere, interfering, asking too many questions, endangering herself and my mission, and pushing buttons I didn't know I had. A dangerous distraction.

My beast is captivated but suspicious, torn between wanting to sink teeth into her and . . . wanting to sink teeth into her. My body craves her.

But . . . I don't remember her. I don't trust her. And I don't trust myself around her.

Who is she? Is she lying? And do I have enough control to not be blinded by her? To protect my secrets and uncover hers?

And who pays the price?

This book is available in paperback and ebook from Amazon. 

Book Spotlight: A Killer's Reflection

 

Category:

Erotic Thriller/Urban Fiction

Synopsis:

In the erotic thriller, A Killer’s Reflection, Bannerman’s third work of fiction, she entices the reader with a perfect combination of sex, lies and murder, as she invites the reader to relive the life story of a serial killer from the perspective of the killer, his psychiatrist, the detectives on the case, and his prey.

Even as a little boy, Douglass Randall Coleman Jr. knew that he was different. It wasn’t just the special attention from his mother, but the attention he got from his female teachers and young girls too. All it took was a flash of his winning smile, which he practiced in the mirror every day, along with a dash of charm, and the world was his for the taking. Raised in the midst of the chaos of urban life (drugs, alcohol, and abuse) Douglass didn’t have a fighting chance.

However, there was only one problem with getting everything he wanted, always getting his requests granted without question…hearing ‘No’ could be deadly. Douglass had to find a way to control his killer urges, and soon sought the help of a therapist.

Dr. Olivia Reed was a therapist with deadly secrets that could never be told. Unable to figure out if Douglass was a narcissist, sociopath, or both, he became her ‘special’ case study that could make her famous. Crossing the line between doctor-patient privilege, and preventing future murders, would plague Dr. Reed for years.

Meanwhile, Tara Walker thought she had met the perfect man online…charming, tall, handsome, doting, and charismatic. Her friends and family loved him, but behind closed doors, a monster emerged.

After his first kill, with the cops nowhere near solving the case, Douglas’ confidence grew even more. But lurking in the shadows, watching his every move, there was someone smarter than all of them, even the detectives. Despite being driven by jealousy and spite, he was determined to take Douglass down for all the crimes he had ever committed.

Only in the end, will the detectives get the break they’ve been waiting for. But until then, they wonder how many more must die before they have enough evidence to trap the man with the ‘Killer Reflection’.

 For more information, check out this blog review, the book's press release or watch the book trailer.

This book is available at Amazon in paperback and as an ebook. 

About the Author:

Even at the age of seven, up and coming Author Cheryl Denise Bannerman, would sit for hours on end reading about faraway lands, intriguing characters and intoxicating storylines.

And by a pre-teen, she was writing poetry for publication and short stories for school that moved the reader to laughter, tears, and sometimes anger. She was an old creative soul from a young age, experiencing way too much ‘life’ than she would have liked.

Now this little girl is all grown up with a child of her own. A child who also loves to write, and even has a unique and masterful talent for drawing as well.

When Author Cheryl Powell (pen name, Cheryl D. Bannerman) is not writing for her next book, she is running her 21-year old virtual B2B Training and Development company based out of her Orlando, Florida, home. Since 1996, she has been known as an Instructional Design and e-Learning Specialist — with clients all over the US and overseas — creating classroom training materials, e-Learning modules, job aides and more for corporate employees and their clients.

This author also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Science degree in IT Project Management and Leadership. She manages multiple projects over various time zones as an expert Training and Development Service Provider. Her wide range of training experience, from classroom-based as a Computer Instructor to online universities as a Professor, all the way to the corporate arena — in conjunction with her background in Technology — has greatly contributed to her success in the field of Training and Development.

In her spare time, Cheryl Powell loves to read murder mysteries, attend museums, watch movies, try new restaurants and cuisines, shop with her daughter, and take in the sun on the beach. And, although this author’s works are fiction, she has incorporated many of her personal life’s experiences into their stories.  

To learn more about the author, connect with her on social media:
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